When searching for jobs in Ireland, it's common to feel like your past experience doesn’t perfectly align with the roles you want. Whether you’re changing industries or trying to move into a more competitive sector, understanding how to position your transferable skills on your CV is key.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to highlight non-relevant experience in a way that catches an employer’s eye, improves your job search success, and opens up new career possibilities.
Why Transferable Skills Matter
Employers often value transferable skills as highly as direct experience. These are the abilities and strengths you’ve built in past roles that can be useful across different jobs and industries.
Examples of Transferable Skills:
Communication
Leadership
Problem-solving
Organisation
Technical aptitude
If you’re working with recruitment Ireland professionals or applying through job placement services, showcasing these skills can make all the difference.
How to Identify Your Transferable Skills
Start by reviewing your previous roles and tasks.
Ask yourself:
What responsibilities did I excel at?
What skills did I use every day?
What achievements am I proud of?
Even if your job titles don’t match your target role, the tasks may align more than you think.
Tip: Read a few job descriptions for your desired role and look for common requirements you’ve handled in the past.
Adjust Your CV to Match the Role
A generic CV won’t stand out. Tailor each version of your CV for the role you’re applying to.
CV Tips:
Use a strong personal statement focused on your goal
Highlight relevant projects or tasks in your work history
Create a “Key Skills” section near the top
For example: If you worked in retail but are applying for an admin role, highlight skills like communication, multi-tasking, using booking systems, and handling customer queries.
How to Write Your Cover Letter
The cover letter is your chance to explain why your experience is relevant, even if it’s not an exact match.
Structure Your Cover Letter:
Introduce yourself and your interest in the role
Mention key achievements in past roles
Explain how your skills match the job description
Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn
This helps employers understand your potential and adaptability.
Show Evidence of Learning and Adaptability
If you’re switching industries or roles, employers want to know that you can learn quickly.
How to show this:
Mention training courses or certifications
Highlight cross-department projects
Show achievements that required problem-solving in a new area
Be Honest About Your Career Change
Don’t hide that you’re changing paths. Instead, make it a strength.
Say something like: “After several years in hospitality, I’m ready to apply my people skills and fast-paced problem solving to a customer service role in a different sector.”
Use Real-Life Examples
Stories make your experience relatable.
Example 1:
Previous Role: Retail Assistant
Target Role: Office Administrator
Transferable Skills: Time management, communication, handling pressure, managing bookings
Example 2:
Previous Role: Warehouse Operative
Target Role: Logistics Coordinator
Transferable Skills: Understanding supply chain, teamwork, meeting targets, inventory tracking
Example 3:
Previous Role: Chef
Target Role: Team Leader
Transferable Skills: Managing teams, planning under pressure, working long hours, health and safety knowledge
Ask for Help from a Recruiter
A recruiter can help match you with the right opportunities, especially when you’re unsure how to present your experience.
At Total Solutions, we offer personalised guidance, whether you’re looking for jobs in Ireland, thinking about a career shift, or want to improve your CV.
Visit our Jobseekers page or check our latest job listings.
Quick Takeaways
Transferable skills are valuable in any industry
Tailor your CV and cover letter to the role
Use real examples from past jobs to support your case
Highlight learning ability and adaptability
Recruiters can help you shape your experience into new opportunities
Conclusion
Changing direction in your career or applying for roles that don’t exactly match your experience can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. By focusing on what you bring to the table like soft skills, initiative, and adaptability, you can stand out to employers and secure roles that push your career forward.
Whether you’re browsing staffing Ireland listings, working with a recruitment agency near you, or updating your CV, remember that your experience is valuable. It’s all about how you present it.
Visit Total Solutions for tailored career support.
FAQs
Can I apply for jobs in a new industry without direct experience?
What are some of the most valuable transferable skills?
Should I mention unrelated jobs on my CV?
How do I make my CV stand out without matching experience?
Can recruiters help with non-relevant experience?